Chelsea ‘to reignite Alvarez pursuit’ after summer transfer rejection

Premier League returns: Chelsea's mid-season review

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly will reportedly give the green light on a second bite of the cherry in January after the Blues missed out on Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez earlier this year. Two other prime midfield targets have been deemed untouchable until next summer, when there is expected to be a significant reshuffle at Stamford Bridge. 

The summer of 2023 could be a big one for Chelsea boss Graham Potter and his midfield contingent. Both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, who have almost 500 appearances for the club between them, are out of contract and expected to depart. 

Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham and West Ham talisman Declan Rice are both touted as pricey targets to bolster the midfield, but neither club would be willing to let them go in January. If Boehly and Potter are keen to get a new body through the door ahead of schedule, Alvarez may be the most likely candidate. 

The Blues launched an audacious £43million bid for the Mexican last deadline day but Ajax refused to play ball, having already auctioned off a host of their most talented stars. 

JUST IN: Man City transfer news – Three key areas for Pep Guardiola to address

By that point in the window Ryan Gravenberch had already headed to Bayern Munich, Antony kicked up a fuss until he got his move to Manchester United, where Lisandro Martinez was already bedding in. According to The Athletic, Chelsea intend to go back in for Alvarez in January after seeing their bid knocked back in the summer. 

Rice and Bellingham are both expected to cost well over £100m, which would make Alvarez a comparatively cost-effective transfer option. Pursuing the Ajax man would also bypass the fierce competition in the race to sign the aforementioned England duo. 

DON’T MISS…
Arsenal hero Seaman highlights two transfer priorities for Arteta
Collina’s touching remark to World Cup final ref in locker room party
Last time Arsenal were top at Christmas – A look back

Alvarez, 25, is able to play as a defensive midfielder or at centre-back, making him a perfect candidate to slot into Potter’s philosophy of ever-changing formations. He rose through the ranks with Mexican club America before moving to the Netherlands in 2019, where he has racked up over 120 appearances and two league titles. 

The 6ft 2in general started two out of three games for Mexico at the Qatar World Cup as they failed to make it out of Group C. Going back in for Alvarez may represent just a fraction of Chelsea’s January intentions after a huge summer blowout that saw massive fees splashed on the likes of Wesley Fofana and Raheem Sterling. 

The Blues’ season hasn’t quite gone to plan so far and Potter is gearing up for his first window in the dugout, having replaced Thomas Tuchel in September. A centre-back and a striker are thought to be priority positions with injury woes making life difficult at Stamford Bridge. 

Rapid forward Armando Broja has already had his season ended by a devastating ACL injury and Fofana has struggled to shake off consistent knocks since arriving from Leicester. A deal has supposedly been agreed for Molde frontman David Datro Fofana and talks are reportedly advanced for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile. 

Source: Read Full Article